KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Five Tennessee football signees are slated to participate in high school all-star games beginning Thursday night at 6 p.m. when the Under Armour All-America Game kicks off inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
Vol signees Wanya Morris, a five-star offensive tackle prospect from Loganville, Ga., and Jaylen McCollough, a four star defensive back from Powder Springs, Ga., are scheduled to participate in the Under Armour showcase, which will air on ESPN2.
On Saturday, three more Vol signees are expected to play in the All-American Bowl at 1 p.m. on Saturday inside the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Running back Eric Gray, from Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis, wide receiver Ramel Keyton, from Marietta, Ga., and Quavaris Crouch, a linebacker from Charlotte, N.C., are scheduled to line up in the all-star game that will air on NBC.
Morris collected MaxPreps All-America second-team honors and was the cornerstone of a Grayson High School team that advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2018. He recorded 73 pancake blocks during his senior season.
McCollough led Hillgrove High School to a program-best 12-1 record and an appearance in the state quarterfinals in 2018. The 6-0, 194-pounder is a consensus four-star recruit, who had 77 tackles as a junior in 2017 despite missing four games.
Gray, a USA Today First Team All-USA selection, was Tennessee’s first-ever three-time winner of the Mr. Football honor. He set the state record for career touchdowns with 138. The 5-10, 195-pound four-star back finished with 2,499 yards and 40 scores, while leading Lausanne to the state semifinals in 2018.
A 6-3, 185-pounder, Keyton tallied 44 receptions for 694 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2018 despite missing the second-half of his senior season with an injury. The four-star prospect led all players in Cobb County with 59 receptions for 1,298 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2017, helping lead Marietta to the state quarterfinals.
Crouch was North Carolina’s No. 1 prospect after starring at Harding University High School. The 6-3, 230-pounder helped lead Harding to the state championship in 2017 by racking up 51 tackles and 14 sacks on defense and 3,246 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on offense. His senior season was cut short due to injury in 2018.
He is expected to play linebacker in the All-American Bowl on Saturday and at Tennessee next fall.
The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival announced its lineup for 2019.
photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com
Known for its roster of rock, pop, hip-hop and indie artists, Coachella will get some country flavor in 2019 from Kacey Musgraves, who recently won the CMA Award for Album of the Year and is nominated at the upcoming Grammy Awards for Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.
Additional performers for Coachella’s six-day festival (April 12–14 and April 19–21) include Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande, Tame Impala, Weezer, Zedd, Wiz Khalifa, Solange, Diplo and many more.
Festival passes go on sale on Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. PT, ranging from general ($429) to VIP ($999). There are also a number of camping packages available.
After Kenny Chesney’s 2018 Trip Around the Sun Tour hit more than a dozen major stadiums and more than 20 amphitheaters, the Tennessee native is scaling back his 2019 tour, which he has dubbed the Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour. The 19-date tour will make stops at mid-sized venues in cities like Louisville, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City and more.
“2018 was a little bit different year for us,” says Kenny to Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown. “We didn’t tour a lot in 2017, and since our tour in 2016, we’ve had [new songs] ‘Settin’ the World on Fire,’ ‘All the Pretty Girls,’ ‘Bar at the End of the World,’ ‘Get Along’ and ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.’ That’s, you know, 20 minutes of music that you didn’t have two years ago, which is a big portion of your show, and I’m telling you, what that’s done for our show is just electric out there, man. It’s so, so much fun to feel that love and energy, and it makes us want to give every ounce of everything we’ve got back at them. When you have that kind of energy going back and forth, it is unlike any feeling I’ve ever felt in my life.”
Rather than the massive two-day set-ups his stadium tours were known for, Kenny’s Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour will feature fewer bells and whistles in a stripped-back setting. He’s taking his music to the people.
“This is the kind of thing you do for passion,” says Kenny. “To rein things in a bit, change up the way we present the music, I know these songs will show us things they don’t when we’re in those massive stadiums. I never worry about the energy or the passion, but I think the songs are different depending on where you play them. So I’m fired up for 2019.”
Tickets for Kenny’s new tour are on sale now.
Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour
April 4 | Louisville, KY | KFC Yum! Center
April 5 | Champaign, IL | State Farm Center
April 6 | Grand Rapids, MI | Van Andel Arena
April 12 | Greensboro, NC | Greensboro Coliseum
April 13 | Jacksonville, FL | Daily’s Place
April 18 | Washington, DC | The Anthem
April 25 | Charleston, SC | Volvo Car Stadium
April 26 | Tallahassee, FL | Donald L Tucker Civic Center
April 27 | Orange Beach, AL | The Wharf
May 2 | Columbia, MO | Mizzou Arena
May 3 | Wichita, KS | INTRUST Bank Arena
May 4 | Oklahoma City, OK | Chesapeake Energy Arena
May 9 | Albany, NY Times | Union Arena
May 10 | Wilkes-Barre, PA | Mohegan Sun Arena
May 11 | Atlantic City, NJ | Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
May 16 | Des Moines, IA | Wells Fargo Arena
May 17 | Sioux Falls, SD | Denny Sanford Premier Center
May 18 | Lincoln, NE | Pinnacle Bank Arena
May 24 | Tuscaloosa, AL | Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
Holly Warlick – Lady Vols coach / Credit: UT Athletics
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee head coach Holly Warlick met with the media on Wednesday in advance of Thursday night’s SEC opener at Auburn. The Lady Vols and the Tigers will tip at 6:02 p.m. CT (7:02 ET) in a game streamed by SECN+.
The No. 10/10 Lady Vols concluded their non-conference slate 11-1 with an 84-76 home victory over Belmont on Sunday afternoon and will face a 12-1 Auburn team in a tough road environment. A Tigers team that has been known for its pressure defense has become a better offensive unit in 2018-19, averaging 82.0 points per game while giving up 62.7. Those numbers look very similar to a UT squad that is averaging 82.8 points and allowing 64.2 thus far, but Auburn features a more experienced starting lineup (Sr./Sr./R-Jr./Jr./So.) than the Lady Vols have (Sr./Sr./So./So./Fr.).
Tennessee features quality wins over No. 12 Texas (10-2), Oklahoma State (9-2) and Clemson (9-4) as well as stout mid-major programs UAB (12-1) and Belmont (7-4), plus a 10-point loss to No. 8/9 Stanford (10-1). Auburn defeated North Carolina (9-5) and New Mexico (10-1) for its top wins while losing by three at No. 25 Iowa State (10-2). The Tigers also beat Oklahoma, which is 4-7 but led No. 1 UConn by 13 before eventually falling to the Huskies.
On what she expects out of Auburn:
“I think we’re just two very similar teams. They’re athletic, rely on defensive pressure, full court pressure, rebounding. They play hard. They’re just like us, so it’s always interesting when we play Auburn. And they’re having a great year.”
On Auburn’s shooting:
“They’re shooting the ball so much better this year. It makes it difficult because not only are they three-point shooters, they penetrate. It makes it really, really difficult to defend. And they’re playing with a lot of confidence; they’re 11-1. I watched the game they lost and that was early on.”
On what the team has learned in previous games that they will apply to the game plan against Auburn:
“We’ve got to get better guarding threes. We’re progressively getting better, but we’ve guarded that all year. It seems like all year we’ve guarded teams that can shoot the three and penetrate. We’ve got to keep people out of the paint, and we’ve got to get in peoples’ faces on the three, and we’ve worked on it every day, but it’s difficult. Defense is difficult; it’s hard. It takes a lot of heart and a lot of energy, and we’ve got to get back to understanding the importance on the defensive end.”
On Tennessee’s improved three-point shooting:
“I think kids have gotten in the gym and worked on it. They worked on it this summer. They continue to get in the gym now and work on it, so I think you’re seeing it pay dividends on the floor. When you get in and shoot reps, it gives you confidence to shoot them in the game.”
On Tennessee averaging five more points a game than last year and if it’s a result of the incoming freshmen contributing or the pace at which UT plays:
“I think it’s probably a combination of both. We signed some really strong offensive kids and they fit into the offense. I think our offense, we’re distributing the ball a lot better (than last year). The ball isn’t getting stuck in one person’s hands. And when that happens we’re getting great looks. The players that are here, again, we’re reaping the benefits of them working in the summer.”
On guards driving to the basket:
“We’ve worked on the dribble drive a lot, and we’re doing that. We’re doing that against zones and against man. In the past we haven’t been doing that, we just moved the ball around. (Now) we’re attacking the defense. And that does start with Evina. She’s really attacking the basket, and she’s learning to pull up and shoot or kick out. We’ve done a great job of trying to get them in gaps and understand you can screen and you can drive on zones just as much as you can on man-to-man.”
On the team averaging 20 assists per game:
“It’s a combination of (people). Westbrook is doing it. I think Jaz Massengill has come in and distributed the ball. We’ve talked a lot about getting great shots instead of just good shots, and sometimes that means making the extra pass. I see that that’s helped us down the road in terms of getting great shots, and that adds to assists.”
On SEC teams having more non-conference losses than in years past:
“I don’t even look at the records of SEC teams when we go into SEC play because every team ramps up their game, their team. It’s just a different ballgame, and you know what you’re going to get in the SEC. And it’s tough; it’s hard. It’s a grind; it’s grueling. I don’t care if they’re 0-10. It’s a tough league to play in, and I can say that because I’ve been in it.”
On the difficulty of starting SEC play on the road:
“I’d love to start at home. I’d love to play every game here. It is difficult, but we’ve played some tough games on the road. We played at Texas. We played at Oklahoma State. It’s going to help us. It’ll be a tough environment (at Auburn), but we seem to be a little more focused on the road, so we’ll take that. We’ve struggled down there at times, but we’ve played really well down there at times. I hope the team that plays really well shows up.”
On Auburn’s defense posing a challenge:
“Obviously we have to take care of the basketball. Keep your dribble, don’t panic. Auburn speeds you up, kind of like us. They speed you up and make you panic, and we can’t do that. If we’re going to turn it over, it needs to be something going toward the basket. We can’t do it in the front court and give them easy shots. And that’s what they thrive on. That’s what we thrive on, so that gets both teams pumped up. We have to be really mindful of that, and our freshmen do too. They haven’t seen the pressure that Auburn is going to put on us.”
On if she expected freshmen to contribute as much as they have:
“I don’t know that I expected it. I expected them to come in and contribute. That’s awesome. We need them to do that in league play. Look at us, we’re young. We’re a majority of freshmen and sophomores, and that group is the main group we’re playing. They’ve just got to use what we’ve put them through. They’ve got great experience. We’ve got 12 games under our belt. The majority of them played good minutes in them, so we need them to step up and rely on what we’ve done to help us going forward.”
On UT’s improved three-point shooting:
“If we’re hitting threes, that’s great. But if things aren’t working, we’ve got to adjust and we have to adapt. I know we can get better of going from a timeout to discussing things to back on the court, and that’s just a learning process we have to go through. They’re smart basketball players, and they understand when their three-point shooting isn’t working, they’ve got to get to the basket. And that’s what’s really good about Meme Jackson, Zaay Green and Westbrook – all of those guys who shoot threes, they have the capability of getting to the basket as well.”
On the fast pace Auburn plays:
“We do like a fast game, but we don’t want them to speed us up and us turn it over. We want to speed them up and we want to play fast, but when we’re getting pressed we don’t want to just turn and throw and turn it over. So we want to attack, yes. But if we’re not attacking and we’re turning it over, we’ve got to pull back and be a little more deliberate with the basketball.”
Ashley McBryde will look to build on her breakout 2018 with the release of her new single, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” which will ship to country radio on Jan. 14.
Penned by Ashley and Jeremy Bussey, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” recounts the story of an algebra teacher Ashley had in high school who told the Arkansas native her dream of becoming a songwriter in Nashville was foolish.
The tune is the title track to Ashley’s debut album, which dropped in March 2018 and recently earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. The 61st Grammy Awards take place on Feb. 10.
Check out the New Year’s greetings that some of your favorite country stars shared on social media, including Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line, Dolly Parton, Carly Pearce, Midland, Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Travis Tritt, Tim McGraw and many more.
Thank you all for an unforgettable 2018 🙏We got a lot coming y’all’s way soon!!! 🎉🎉 What’s your favorite memory from 2018? pic.twitter.com/Xg3cGGjXSA
Thank for a great 2018!! Love my fans and love my family who support me in all I do! Get ready everyone… 2019 is going to be the year for new music in the first quarter and all other kinds of exciting things to come! #SecondWindLatestandGreatestpic.twitter.com/xuxxWhkUhI
Happy New Year! Thanks for celebrating the 25th anniversary of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” with us all year long. We can’t wait for what’s in store for 2019! -Team Toby pic.twitter.com/urStyTkiKU
Did anyone else fall asleep before midnight? 🙈🍷 sorry @Michaelraymusic — I promise to make it up to ya for the next 60+ New Years Eves 😂😂😂😂 #epicfail#HappyNewYear
Well, I know where you’re going and who’s gonna meet you there….” Happy New Year, friends! 2018 was a heck of a roller coaster ride and I’m sure looking forward to 2019! Hope you enjoy this little throwback song of mine wishing a “Happy New Year!” https://t.co/kpL42GZhSn
Looking back at 2018, we can’t help but be thankful. The #BackToUsTour was definitely one of the highlights… on stage and off! Can’t wait to see what this year has in store. Happy New Year! pic.twitter.com/K8vbPqd99Q
What a banner year. Thanks to all of you for coming to the shows , supporting the new music, and everything else I’ve gotten my paws into this year. Farewell to 2018 Cheers to bringing… https://t.co/xghPESUSSr
Keith Urban braved the chilly temperature in Nashville on Dec. 31 to help ring in the New Year as the featured performer during Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight celebration.
Before the traditional Music Note Drop and accompanying fireworks helped signal the start of 2019, Keith treated fans to a medley of songs that paid tribute to many artists who died in 2018, including Dolores O’Riordan of the Cranberries (“Zombie”), Aretha Franklin (“Respect”), Roy Clark (“Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms”), Avicii (“Wake Me Up”) and Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd (“Sweet Home Alabama”).
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Nine VFLs are slated to see action on active rosters in the playoffs after the NFL wrapped up the regular season this past weekend.
Running back Alvin Kamara and his 18 touchdowns helped lead the Saints to the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while punter Dustin Colquitt filled a major role for the AFC’s No. 1-seeded Chiefs squad along with All-Pro Eric Berry, who appeared in two games in the last month of the season after returning from injury.
Rookie punter Trevor Daniel joins veteran offensive guard Zach Fulton on the Texans, who rebounded from 0-3 to finish 11-5, while Morgan Cox continued in his role as long snapper for the AFC North champion Ravens.
Defensive back Justin Coleman emerged as a playmaker for the Seahawks and rookie running back John Kelly was a valuable reserve for the Rams.
Cordarrele Patterson scored touchdowns rushing, receiving and on a kick return in his first-year with the playoff-bound Patriots.
Former first-round pick Derek Barnett helped lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl last season, but he is on injured reserve and will miss Philadelphia’s 2018 playoff run.
One of the standout VFL performances in the final week of the regular season came from tight end Luke Stocker, who scored a 22-yard touchdown for the Titans, who just missed the playoffs.
Punter Matt Darr returned to the NFL for the final five games of the regular season with the Bills after missing all of 2017. He played for the Dolphins in 2015 and 2016. Darr’s return gave the Vols five of the NFL’s 32 active punters at the end of the 2018 regular season.
Defensive end Kendal Vickers became the latest Vol in the NFL on Dec. 24 when he was added to the Titans’ practice squad.
Overall, Tennessee had 29 former players on an active roster at some point during the season with 27 appearing in at least one game. Including four practice squad/injured reserve list players, 33 VFLs were on NFL rosters in 2018.
Catch up with all of Tennessee’s former players below. Updates from the playoffs will be posted each week on UTSports.com.
Playoff-Bound Vols
Eric Berry – DB, Kansas City Chiefs 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 2/2, Tackles: 8 UA, 3A, 11 Total
Berry, a three-time all-pro, returned to the Chiefs for the first-time since the season-opener in 2017. He finished with 11 tackles in two games, but was held out in the season finale against the Raiders.
The Chiefs completed a 12-4 regular season to win the AFC South can claim the No. 1 seed in the AFC, receiving a first round bye.
UP NEXT:The Chiefs will open the playoffs at home against the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round on Jan. 12 at 4:35 p.m. ET (NBC).
Coleman closed out the regular season with one tackle and one PBU in a 27-24 win over the Cardinals. The week before, Coleman tallied five tackles and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Seahawks to help lead Seattle to a 38-31 victory over the Chiefs – the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Coleman has started 10 games and appeared in all 32 contests for the Seahawks the last two seasons, making 90 tackles and scoring three touchdowns.
The Seahawks finished 10-6 and second in the NFC West to claim a wildcard berth in the playoffs and the No. 5 seed.
UP NEXT:The Seahawks open the playoffs at the Dallas Cowboys in a wild-card round matchup on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. ET (Fox).
The older of the two Colquitt brothers, Dustin had a career-low 45 punts for 1,824 yards in 2018 while playing for a Chiefs team that had the AFC’s best record and best offense.
He punted just one time for 28 yards in the season finale 35-3 win over the Raiders on Sunday.
A 14-year veteran who has spent every season in Kansas City, he will compete in the playoff for the seventh time and fourth straight season.
The Chiefs completed a 12-4 regular season to win the AFC South and claim the No. 1 seed in the AFC, receiving a first round bye.
UP NEXT: The Chiefs will open the playoffs at home against the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round on Jan. 12 at 4:35 p.m. ET (NBC).
Cox completed his ninth season as the long snapper for the Baltimore Ravens, helping lead the team to the AFC North division championship and a playoff berth.
He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, who has played in 134 career games, helped the Ravens secure the playoff berth by beating the Browns, 26-24, last Sunday.
The Ravens finished 10-6 to win the AFC North and claim the No. 4 seed in the AFC.
UP NEXT:The Ravens will open the playoffs at home versus the Los Angeles Chargers in a wild-card round game on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. ET (CBS).
Daniel wrapped up the regular season with seven punts for 295 yards (42.1 average) with four downed inside the 20 in a 20-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Daniel proved to be a valuable rookie for the Texans, playing in every game and finishing fourth in the NFL with 36 punts inside the 20.
The Texans rebounded from an 0-3 start to finish 11-5 and captured the AFC South division crown.
UP NEXT:The No. 3 seed in the AFC, the Texans will host the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday at 4:35 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Fulton started all 13 games he played at guard for the Texans, including the Week 17 20-3 victory over the Jaguars that gave Houston an 11-5 record for the 2018 season.
Fulton signed a four-year, $28 million contract with Texans before the 2018 season after playing four years with the Chiefs.
The Texans rebounded from an 0-3 start to finish 11-5 and captured the AFC South division crown.
UP NEXT:The No. 3 seed in the AFC, the Texans will host the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday at 4:35 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Kamara, the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, picked up where he left off in 2018. Kamara proved to be a legitimate star for the Saints and one of the NFL’s top young playmakers.
The Atlanta native’s 18 touchdowns ranked second in the NFL and his 1,800 all-purpose yards ranked sixth in the league. With the Saints having already clinched the NFC’s top seed, Kamara was held out of the season finale to rest up for the playoffs.
He has 32 touchdowns in 31 career games to go along with 1,611 rushing yards (5.1 avg.) and 162 receptions for 1,535 yards.
The Saints finished 13-3 to win the NFC South and captured the No. 1 seed in the NFC, receiving a first round bye.
UP NEXT:The Saints will open the playoffs at home against the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round on Jan. 13 at 4:40 p.m. ET (Fox).
John Kelly – RB, Los Angeles Rams 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 4/0, Rushing Att-Yds: 27-74, 2.7 Avg., 7 Lg, Rec-Yds: 2-27, 13.5 avg.
Kelly, a backup running back for the Rams, saw his most extensive action in LA’s final game, rushing 15 times for 30 yards and hauling in one 18-yard catch in a 48-32 win over the 49ers on Dec. 30.
The Rams finished 13-3 to win the NFC West and captured the No. 2 seed in the NFC, receiving a first round bye.
UP NEXT: The Rams will open the playoffs at home against the second-lowest remaining seed in the divisional round on Jan. 12 at 8:15 p.m. ET (Fox).
Patterson was a multi-purpose weapon for the Patriots all season, scoring a touchdown as a wide receiver, running back and kick returner.
He has four rushes for 66 yards and one three-yard reception in a 24-12 win against the Bills to close out the regular season.
Patterson’s 28.8 kick return average ranked third in the league.
He has played in 95 games over six seasons and been named All-Pro as a kick returner twice. He has 10 career touchdown receptions, seven rushing scores and six kick return touchdowns.
The Patriots finished 11-5 and first in the AFC East in 2018, capturing a first-round bye for the playoffs with the No. 2 seed.
UP NEXT: New England will host the second-lowest remaining seed in the divisional round of the playoffs on Jan. 13 at 1:05 p.m. ET (CBS).
Vols in the NFL (Season Complete)
Derek Barnett – DE, Philadelphia Eagles (Injured Reserve) 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 6/6, Tackles: 11 UA, 5 A, 16 Total, Other: 2.5 Sacks
Barnett suffered a season-ending injury to his shoulder in Week 7.
The Eagles finished 9-7 and second in the NFC East to claim the sixth and final playoff spot in the NFC.
Bray, a backup quarterback in his sixth season, played in four preseason games for the Chicago Bears in 2018, completing 60-of-97 passes for 652 yards and one touchdown. The California native did not see action for the Bears, and was cut in Week 17 to make room on the active roster for Pro Bowl offensive lineman Kyle Long’s return from injury.
Colquitt capped his 10th NFL season with four punts for 180 yards (40.0 avg.) with three fair catches and one touchback in a 26-24 loss at the Ravens.
Colquitt had an outstanding third season for the Browns – the most improved team in the NFL going from 1-15 in 2017 to 7-8-1 in 2018. His 79-yard punt against Tampa Bay was the longest in the NFL this season. He finished fourth in punts (83) and total yards (3,767) and No. 11 in average (45.4).
Croom capped his rookie season with two receptions for 32 yards in a 42-17 win over the Dolphins. He finished the season with 22 catches for 259 yards and one touchdown. He was signed by Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and finished that season on the practice squad before his breakout 2018 campaign.
The Bills finished 6-10 and third in the AFC East in 2018.
Darr was picked up by the Bills late in the season and served as Buffalo’s punter for the final five games. He spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons as the punter for the Dolphins.
He had three punts for 111 yards (37.0 avg.) in the Bills’ 42-17 victory over the Dolphins in the season finale.
The Bills finished 6-10 and third in the AFC East in 2018.
Dobbs won the backup quarterback job behind future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger in the preseason and was steady during five games as a backup for the Steelers, who narrowly missed the playoff on the season’s final day.
Pittsburgh finished 9-6-1 and in second-place in the AFC North division.
Foster started all 16 games for the Steelers in 2018, culminating with a 16-13 victory over the Bengals in Week 17. He has started 131 games in 10 NFL seasons.
Pittsburgh narrowly missed the playoffs with a 9-6-1 record and a second-place finish in the AFC North.
Rashaan Gaulden – DB, Carolina Panthers 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 15/0, Tackles: 14 UA, 4 A, 18 Total
Gaulden appeared in 15 games as a reserved defensive back for the Panthers after being selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
He tied his season high with three tackles and made his first PBU in the 2018 season finale – a 33-14 Panthers’ victory over the Saints.
The Panthers finished 7-9 and second in the NFC South in 2018.
Hunter played in five games for the Steelers in 2018 before being placed on the injured reserve list on Dec. 4. Hunter has played in 60 games over six seasons, making 85 receptions.
Pittsburgh finished 9-6-1 and in second-place in the AFC North division.
Malik Jackson – DT, Jacksonville Jaguars 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 16/10, Tackles: 27 UA, 10 A, 37 Total, Other: 3.5 Sacks, 7.0 TFLs, 1 PD
Jackson capped the 2018 season with four tackles and a season-best 1.5 sacks in a 20-3 loss to the Houston Texans.
Jackson wrapped up his seventh NFL season and third with the Jaguars. A Pro Bowler in 2017, Jackson has appeared in 110 games in his career with 66 starts.
Jacksonville finished 5-11 and fourth in the AFC South in 2018.
James started 15 games at right tackle for the Dolphins in 2018, committing only three penalties the entire season. The former first-rounder has started all 62 games he has played in since joining the NFL in 2014.
Miami finished 7-9 and second in the AFC East in 2018.
Alexander Johnson – LB, Denver Broncos 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 1/0, Tackles: 0 UA, 0 A, 0 Total
Johnson was originally signed to a three-year deal in a developmental role and started out the season on the practice squad. He played in one game against the Texans and ended the season back on the practice squad.
The Broncos finished 6-10 and third in the AFC West in 2018.
LaTroy Lewis – LB, Tennessee Titans 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 1/0, Tackles: 0 UA, 0 A, 0 Total
Lewis spent most of the season on the practice squad, but was promoted to the active roster for the Titans’ final game – a 33-17 lost to the Indianapolis Colts.
Tennessee finished 9-7 and third in the AFC South in 2018, narrowly missing the wild card berth for the playoffs.
McCullers appeared in 15 games for the Steelers as a reserve defensive lineman. The massive 6-7, 352-pounder did start in 31-28 loss to the Saints in Week 16 and also played in a 16-13 win versus the Bengals in the season finale.
Pittsburgh finished 9-6-1 and in second-place in the AFC North division.
Kahlil McKenzie – G, Kansas City Chiefs (Practice Squad)
McKenzie made four appearances in the preseason and has been on the practice squad all season for the Chiefs after moving from defensive line with the Vols to offensive guard in the NFL.
The Chiefs completed a 12-4 regular season to win the AFC South can claim the No. 1 seed in the AFC, receiving a first-round bye.
Emmanuel Moseley – DB, San Francisco 49ers (Injured Reserve) 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 1/0, Tackles: 1 UA, 0 A, 1 Total
Moseley made his NFL debut in Week 9, making one tackle in the first quarter of San Francisco’s 34-3 win over Oakland. He was placed on injured reserve after suffering an injury in the outing.
The 49ers finished 4-12 and third in the NFC South in 2018.
Palardy had three punts for 164 yards for a season-best average of 54.7 in a 33-14 victory over the Saints to cap the season.
A fourth-year pro, Palardy’s 45.2 average ranked 14th in the NFL and his 24 punts inside the 20 were tied for 15th.
The Panthers finished 7-9 and second in the NFC South in 2018.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin – LB, Detroit Lions 2018 Regular Season: Games/Starts: 9/0, Tackles: 8 UA, 5 A, 13 Total
Reeves-Maybin played in nine games for the Lions before being placed on the injured reserve list. He has appeared in 23 games over two seasons and made 38 tackles.
Detroit finished 6-10 and fourth in the NFC North in 2018.
Stocker had a career year for the Titans, starting 11 games and making 15 receptions to tie his career-best with 165 yards. His two touchdowns were also a career high. The eight-year veteran has played in 99 games with 68 starts and made 68 receptions.
He capped the 2018 season with a 22-yard touchdown catch in a 33-17 loss to Indianapolis in the finale.
The Titans narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing 9-7 and third in the AFC South in 2018.
A second-year reserve defensive back, Sutton played in 15 games for the Steelers in 2018. He made two tackles and had two QB hits in the season finale, a 16-13 win over Cincinnati.
The Steelers finished 9-6-1 and second in the AFC North in 2018.
Jordan Williams – LB, New York Giants (Injured Reserve)
Williams played in all four preseason games for the Giants, making three tackles. He did not appear in any regular season games and was on the injured reserve for most of the season.
Ethan Wolf – TE, Green Bay Packers (Practice Squad)
Wolf was signed to the Packers’ practice squad on Oct. 30. He spent the preseason with the Tennessee Titans after signing as an undrafted free agent.
Kendal Vickers – DE, Tennessee Titans (Practice Squad)
Vickers was signed to the Titans’ practice squad on Dec. 24. He spent the preseason with the Steelers.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 10/10 Tennessee (11-1) heads out on the road to open SEC play on Thursday night, paying a visit to an Auburn team that is 12-1 and undefeated in six home games this season. Tip-off is slated for 6:02 p.m. CT (7:02 ET) at Auburn Arena, with the game available on SECN+ and the Lady Vol Radio Network.
The Lady Vols, who closed out a four-game home stand with an 84-76 victory over Belmont on Sunday afternoon, are 2-0 in true road games and 4-0 away from Knoxville this season, including a pair of neutral site victories. Tennessee won at Oklahoma State and No. 12/12 Texas and defeated Clemson and UAB at the Junkanoo Jam in Bimini, Bahamas, earlier this season.
UT enters on a three-game winning streak after losing its only game on Dec. 18, a 95-85 setback to No. 8/9 Stanford in Knoxville. Auburn, meanwhile, rides a nine-game winning streak into Thursday night’s match-up. The Tigers are coming off an 83-50 home victory over Alabama State on Saturday.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Brad Law (play-by-play) and Joe Ciampi (analyst) will describe the action for SECN+.
Mickey Dearstone is handling the call for IMG College/Lady Vol Network radio/online broadcasts for the 20th season. A link to the live audio stream can be found on each game’s Hoops Central page or the Lady Vol schedule on UTSports.com.
Air time for games on the Lady Vol Radio Network generally occurs 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
For UT home games, the Lady Vol Network has a low-power transmitter that makes the game available on the radio at 99.3 FM.
UT-AUBURN SERIES NOTES
Tennessee holds a 43-11 all-time record vs. Auburn, dating back to Feb. 9, 1980, and has won 27 of the past 30 games in the series.
The Lady Vols are 21-2 vs. the Tigers in games held in Knoxville, 13-5 in games played at Auburn and 9-4 at neutral sites.
UT has won in 13 of its last 15 trips to The Plains but lost the last time in Auburn.
UT is 2-0 vs. AU in overtime games, winning extra-frame contests in Knoxville vs. the Tigers in 1996 and 2004.
Tennessee has limited Auburn to 66 points or fewer 11 of the last 12 times they’ve met and to 61 or less on nine of those occasions.
Tennessee and Auburn played for the 1989 NCAA Championship in Tacoma, Wash., with the Lady Vols prevailing, 76-60.
Tennessee also beat the Tigers in regional finals in 1987 and 1991 en route to NCAA Final Fours they would end up winning.
UT and AU four times played for SEC Tournament titles from 1985 to 1990, with the Lady Vols winning three of those (1985, 1988, 1989).
Chamique Holdsclaw scored a career-high 39 points vs. the Tigers on Feb. 14, 1998, marking the sixth-highest point total in Lady Vol history.
Auburn has managed to claim only two victories in Knoxville, with those coming on Jan. 9, 1988 (#2/3 AU def. #4/4 UT, 71-68) and Feb. 8, 1986 (#11/13 AU def. #10/12 UT, 66-60).
These teams will meet again at 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) in Knoxville.
AU coach Terri Williams-Flournoy beat UT and Pat Summitt while coaching Georgetown on Nov. 27, 2010, 69-58, at the Paradise Jam tourney in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NOTING THE LADY VOLS
THREE WHO’LL GET YOU 20: UT has three players who have shown the ability to score 20+ points on any given night. Evina Westbrook (6), Rennia Davis (2) and Meme Jackson (2) have combined to produce 10 20-point games this year.
DAVIS RISING: After being limited to seven points at Texas, sophomore Rennia Davis has bounced back by averaging 16.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in five games since. She is coming off a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double vs. Murray State last Friday and a 19-point, six-rebound effort vs. Belmont last Sunday.
FRESHMEN PRODUCING: UT’s four rookies are averaging a combined 31.5 ppg., 17.0 rpg. and 10.5 spg. and shooting 49% on FGs and 44% on 3FGs the past two games since returning from winter break.
SMOOTH JAZ: Rookie Jazmine Massengill is averaging 8.5 ppg., 5.5 apg. and 4.5 rpg. and shooting 64% on FGs (7-11) and 75% on 3FGs (3-4)over the past two games.
SHARING THE BASKETBALL: UT has averaged 20 assists the past three games, recording 20 vs. ETSU, 21 vs. Murray State and 19 vs. Belmont.
THREE-BALL FREQUENCY: UT has hit seven or more three-pointers in five straight games. Tennessee had never done that in more than four consecutive contests. The Lady Vols have knocked down nine or more 3s in four of their past five outings.
POINT PRODUCTION: After scoring 65 points vs. Stetson, the Lady Vols have averaged 87 points since then, tallying 88 vs. Texas, 85 vs. Stanford, 80 vs. ETSU, 98 vs. Murray State and 84 vs. Belmont. Three-balls have been a key to that increase.
BOARDS ARE A PRIORITY: UT has been a solid rebounding team all season and the numbers bear that out. The Lady Vols have outrebounded 10 of 12 opponents and rank No. 11 in rebounds per game (45.42), No. 11 in rebounding margin (11.9) and No. 15 in offensive rebounds per game (17.0).
THE LADY VOLS’ LAST GAME
No. 10/10 Tennessee led by as many as 18 points before holding off a late rally to secure an 84-76 victory over Belmont in front of a season-best crowd of 8,546 on Sunday afternoon at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The Bruins (7-4) rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit to take their first lead since the opening minutes of the game with a 22-6 run in the second half. The Lady Vols (11-1), however, closed out the game on a 19-10 run to earn the victory.
Evina Westbrook led the way for Tennessee with 20 points, seven assists and six rebounds. The sophomore guard had 11 points in the fourth quarter alone to resurrect the Lady Vols’ offense after they managed only eight third-quarter points. It marked the sixth time in her career that Westbrook eclipsed the 20-point mark in a game, with all six occasions coming this season.
Sophomore forward Rennia Davis posted another strong performance, finishing with 19 points and six boards. Senior Meme Jackson and freshman Zaay Green both chipped in 10 points each to round out the double-digit scorers for the Lady Vols. Westbrook and freshman guard Jazmine Massengill dished out seven and five assists, respectively, as the Lady Vols ended up with 19 overall.
NOTING AUBURN
Auburn returned six letterwinners, including four starters from 2017-18, including stars Janiah McKay, Daisa Alexander and Unique Thompson.
The Tigers have started the same five in all 13 games, including seniors McKay and Emari Jones, redshirt junior Crystal Primm, junior Alexander and sophomore Thompson.
Auburn is led by Terri Williams-Flournoy, who is 114-92 in her seventh season at Auburn and 257-196 in 15 years as a head coach.
The Tigers like to press and average 12.7 steals and force 21.8 turnovers per contest.
AU has wins over Oklahoma (95-79) and North Carolina (86-81 OT) and a loss to #25 Iowa St. (67-64).
A year ago, Auburn turned in a 14-15 overall record and 5-11 mark in the SEC to finish 10th.
UT ended the Tigers’ season in the SEC Tournament second round, 64-61, on an off-the-glass, three-point buzzer-beater by Rennia Davis.
Daisa Thompson made the 2018 SEC All-Defensive Team, while Unique Thompson was All-Freshman.
THE TIGERS’ LAST GAME
Freshman Brooke Moore scored a career-high 23 points, and Auburn pulled away early and cruised to an 83-50 victory over Alabama State to close out non-conference play Saturday at Auburn Arena.
The Tigers (12-1) will enter SEC play on a nine-game winning streak, their longest since 2012-13.
Despite shooting a season-low 31.4 percent from the field, the Tigers hit 10 3-pointers and found other ways to score, going 29-of-36 (80.6%) at the free-throw line. It marked the most free throws made in a game by Auburn since 2008.
RECENT MEETINGS
Rennia Davis knocked down a three-point shot with .5 seconds remaining to give No. 12 Tennessee a 64-61 victory over Auburn on March 1, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena and advance the Lady Vols to the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament.
Jaime Nared led UT in scoring, hitting 17 before a hard fall on a layup attempt eventually sidelined her. Mercedes Russell had 12 points and 15 rebounds to record her 45th career double-double, tying Candace Parker for the second most career double-doubles in Tennessee history behind only Chamique Holdsclaw.
Davis and Meme Jackson also scored in double figures for UT (24-6) with 16 and 10, respectively. Auburn (14-15) was led in scoring by Janiah McKay with 24. Daisa Alexander added 16 for the Tigers.
In two other recent games: UT also beat AU in Knoxville last year, 70-59, on Jan. 4, in UT’s first SEC home game. The last time these programs met at Auburn, the Tigers scored 33 points off 22 UT turnovers to claim a 79-61 victory.
COMING UP FOR UT AND AU
UT welcomes Missouri (2 p.m. on 1/6) and Kentucky (7 p.m. on 1/10) to Knoxville for its next two games.
AU will travel to Florida (1/6) and Alabama (1/10) for its next two contests.
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes on Monday was named the Knoxville News Sentinel’s 2018 Sportsperson of the Year.
Barnes guided the Volunteers to last season’s SEC Championship, and has this year’s team ranked No. 3 nationally after an 11-1 start. He and his wife, Candy, also are involved in several philanthropic causes throughout the Knoxville area.
The full story is available in Monday’s edition of the Knoxville News Sentinel and can be accessed online HERE (subscription required).
Barnes and the Vols open SEC play Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena when they host Georgia at 3:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network).
